Readers receive a reminder that empowers anxious mothers: our God is the same God who gave courage to Mary the mother of Jesus, and who answered the prayer of Hannah the mother of Samuel. Strength and comfort can be drawn from the knowledge that mothers throughout the ages have turned to God, and we can do likewise.

These pages brim with hopefulness and gentle encouragement. Helen Good Brenneman guides readers to notice that the tasks of daily caregiving provide opportunities to turn our hearts toward God, to lean on God, to offer praise. In one prayer we read:“Dear God, in view of all that is expected of a mother, I would feel most inadequate were not my hand in yours. I thank you for entrusting me with a living soul. Help me to bring out the best that is in my child by teaching that above all things we are to live, move, and have our being in you.”

Some of the meditations would resonate best with mothers who have birthed their children and who are married. However, other titles in the meditations series, forthcoming later this year, will better meet the needs of adoptive parents and single mothers.

Reading Frida’s story we witness an unusual upbringing amidst a family dedicated to peacebuilding and social justice. As in any family, some things worked out well and brought joy, while other choices were more burdensome. Nothing is perfect, and hearing this story will help encourage parents who strive to raise their children to have a sense of our role within a global, human community. I do not want merely to talk about a better world, but for my daughter to witness and to work alongside me, contributing to a better world with our daily choices. As I strive to do this, honest stories from other parents brings tremendous refreshment.

Part of Frida’s story includes her exploration of the important place of religion in her life. I have experienced the need for a spiritual home that supports the call for peace and justice, and Frida’s words rang true for me:

“I’m not lapsed: I am a Catholic in waiting – waiting for the Church to remember the Gospels, to be a justice-and-peace-seeking community, to be fully inclusive of women and to be welcoming to people who are not heteronormative. Pope Francis is a step in the right direction, but there is a long way to go.”

While I know many activists find sufficient encouragement amidst a strictly secular community, that is not the case for me. I tried, but it was depleting. There was a crucial piece missing for me: a larger sense of love. I realized that my hunger for a more peaceable society is grounded in my belief that we were created to love one another and to help carry each other’s burdens. As I read It Runs in the Family, I witnessed that a sense of self, of connection to others, and of a loving God can weave together a fabric strong enough for building a joyful home.

Nourishing spirituality in everyday life allows one to be aware of God, and aware of abundant blessings. By cultivating attentiveness one can notice God’s work in all aspects of life, far beyond formal prayer time. Parenting, where a person receives the gift of caring for a child, can be full of awareness of God’s presence. Yet it also can be work that makes one tired to the bone. A parent can feel grateful and blessed, while at the same time wishing for a bit of breathing room and momentary peace. Parents will find an understanding companion in Rachel S. Gerber, author of Ordinary Miracles: Awakening to the holy work of parenting.

Rachel Gerber writes with honesty. She does not pretend that parenting is easy, or that finding God amidst a pile of laundry is easy, or that giving thanks from an exhausted heart is easy. She allows readers to travel with her, to experiment with a spirit of attentive thanksgiving. By sharing stories from her mothering experience, she opens a door to seeing God’s presence throughout the tasks of caregiving.

Ordinary Miracles carries a guiding story from Luke 24 in the gospels, when two followers encounter Jesus on the road to Emmaus. At first they do not recognize Jesus; rather, they are full of sorrow at his recent death, and see only a stranger. Later, when they eat together, the followers realize that Jesus had been present all along. As Rachel Gerber writes, “Love is present in our darkest hour of greatest disorientation, in our most mundane days, and in moments of exhilaration of joy and beauty when we finally awaken to the blessings of life. God surprises.”

If you have a book-loving new parent in your life, Ordinary Miracles would make a fine gift. The chapters are not long, and the book can be picked up readily in between the duties of caring for a young child. This book would make a wonderful discussion for a church parent’s group, or a mothers’ book club. There are discussion questions at the end of the book to help guide conversations.

I urge you to pick up a copy of this encouraging book, where you can read this heartfelt reminder:
“You are loved just as you are, wherever you are, because you are enough. And this: You have people to love.”
Even though we cannot see the whole picture, we can see and love the person in front of us. God’s love and grace will meet us where we are, and will carry us.

Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. No fee was received.